ACRA’s Finalists Fever – #8
16 days to go to the ACRA's!
We are counting down the days to the big event on October 18 by profiling the finalists across all categories with RadioToday's ACRA's Finalists Fever
If you are one of this year's finalists, we are ready to roll out the red carpet. You can get involved by emailing us here.
Today we shine a spotlight on the best of the best:
Josh Buckle from Grant Broadcasters in Geelong. Matt Frost from Nova Entertainment in Brisbane and John Gibbs and Greg Alexander from Fairfax Radio in Sydney.
JOSH BUCKLE
BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR
K-ROCK, Geelong VIC, Grant Broadcasters P
Give us a quick snapshot of your radio background…
Well here's the thing, i have little to no radio background apart from winning free 6inch Subway vouchers from K-Rock when i was 14.
I am just a tradie who pretty much hassled/border line harassed my way into casual promo work here. As much as i adored handing out stickers and icy cold cans of a generic cola it was all apart of my master plan.
I continued to hassle until they gave me a shot on the wireless and that's where i am today. It certainly beats laying bricks!
Best part of your job?
Trying not to laugh when collecting a pay cheque as i no way has talking rubbish and doing your dream job radio ever felt like work.
Tell us about your ACRAs entry?
My entry is quite skit based, it something i quite enjoy doing and breaks up the generic 'Hey here's the new Pitbull'.
Oh and just a little chat with an up and coming band called 'Pearl Jam'. I think they may have a future in making music.
Your speech, if you were able to make one…
Hello (INSERT TIME OF DAY AND WITTY WEATHER PUN HERE) this a complete shock to me, i was not expecting this at all i really can't believe HOW HARD IS IT TO GET AN EXTRA BREAD ROLL HERE!
Thank you. (POTENTIALLY MOONWALK OFF STAGE TO RIGHT/LEFT)
MATT FROST
BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON
Nova 106.9, Brisbane QLD, Nova Entertainment
So Matt.. how long have you been in Media and Sales?
Twelve years in media: four in a media agency (OMD), three years selling regional & metro TV (WIN NBN & Nine Network), one year selling Regional Radio (TRSN), then Nova for the last four years (not sure exactly how long I’ve been here – time flies)
What’s the best part of your job?
The team is the best part of my job. Nova106.9’s team is tight knit and shares a common goal, which makes working there so good.
What are your key achievements over the past 12 months?
Aside from revenue performance (both personal and agency team), I’d say the one thing that stands out for me is continuing the excellent partnership we have with NRMA Insurance and our street team, the NRMA Insurance Nova Sandmans. It’s a big part of our station and a big part of our partnership with the Brisbane Broncos. The Sandies are ubiquitous in the local community and I’m really happy that NRMA Insurance continue to see value in the work we do. The partnership is now in its 3rd year with hopefully many more to come.
Tell us about your ACRAs Entry for Best Agency Salesperson… what did you need to demonstrate?
The Sales category is numbers based, and the Nova106.9 Agency Team has had a stellar year in revenue terms. It’s great to be shortlisted for the Best Agency Salesperson award, and I’m also really proud of Em Buckby who is also a finalist and my teammate. On top of that, the whole Nova106.9 Agency Sales Team has been shortlisted for the Best Station Sales Achievement award this year, and it’s wonderful to see everyone in our squad (Kat, Brad, Sarah, Rachel, Maraika, Somer, and Em & I) be recognized for their efforts.
This is your moment in the spotlight, if you won what would you say?
I’d just say thank you for the award, congratulations to the other finalists (who are both Nova stablemates – awesome) and I hope it’s one of many for Nova106.9 & NOVA Entertainment
JOHN GIBBS AND GREG ALEXANDER
BEST SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
A League Finals; 2UE Commentary Team, 2UE, Sydney NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M
Radio and you?
John – Involved in radio for 30 years since retiring as a professional sportsman. All at 2UE except for one year at 2GB.
Greg – 2UE sports commentator since 2000
Tell us about your ACRAs entry?
In their first year in the A League the Wanderers’ surge towards success triggered a wave of fanaticism Sydney's sporting scene has never witnessed before. A club that had only just formed, developed an extraordinary following on the back of unexpected on field success. 2UE's coverage captured that emotion with an amazing broadcast from Parramatta Stadium which saw the Wanderers defeat the Brisbane Roar.
https://radiotoday.com.au/music/acras – best sport coverage – west sydney historic first ever final.mp3
Your speech, if you were able to make one…
John – I've travelled all over the world covering some of the biggest sporting events and the atmosphere of the Wanderers – Brisbane finals game was as good as if not better than anything else I've witnessed. It made the broadcast easy and was a privilege to cover.
Are You an ACRAs Finalist?
If you're a finalist in Metropolitan, Non-Metropolitan, Provincial or Country drop us a line and we'll shine the spotlight on you. Email Blair here.